Spotlight on Leadership Across Differences: Councilmember Rudy Metayer

Councilmember Rudolph “Rudy” K. Metayer of Pflugerville, Texas, a graduate of Leadership Austin’s Emerge Class of 2011 and Essentials Class of 2015

At the National Community Leadership Collaborative (NCLC), we honor leaders who have demonstrated the power of bridging divides and creating community connections. Today, we highlight the journey of Councilmember Rudolph “Rudy” K. Metayer of Pflugerville, Texas, a graduate of Leadership Austin’s Emerge Class of 2011 and Essentials Class of 2015. Rudy’s story showcases the transformative power of leadership programs in helping leaders navigate differences and foster a more inclusive community.

Listening to Bridge Differences

For Rudy Metayer, the key to leading across differences is simple yet profound: “Be quick to listen, not to judge.” This principle, which he honed through his participation in Leadership Austin, guides his approach to leadership and community engagement. “I often find that our differences can be bridged if we slow down and actually listen to the person’s perspective,” Rudy explains. “Everyone has their own stories, and those stories make us who we are and how we operate. In that operation, misconceptions can occur. ‘Do not attribute to malice what can be easily explained by misunderstanding.’”

This philosophy of empathy and understanding has helped Rudy foster trust and collaboration, even among those with opposing viewpoints. In the 2020 election, many Republican households in Pflugerville displayed two seemingly contradictory signs: “Re-elect Donald Trump” and “Re-elect Rudy Metayer.” For some Republicans outside of Pflugerville, this was perplexing. “The answer many gave is, ‘Yes, but we know Rudy. We know what he stands for. He truly cares about our community.’” This, Rudy says, is one of his favorite memories as an elected official, reflecting the depth of trust and respect he has built across political lines.

Leadership Lessons from Austin

Rudy credits the Leadership Austin programs with equipping him with the skills to bridge these gaps. “These two programs have given me the skill set to help bridge gaps with people of opposing viewpoints,” he notes. They also opened doors to new opportunities and networks, allowing him to connect with professionals he might never have encountered otherwise. “It has allowed me to reach professionals, including in the creative spaces, that frankly would never have occurred if not for Leadership Austin.”

Encouraging Future Leaders

To those considering a community leadership program, Rudy’s message is enthusiastic and clear: “DO IT! It is quite literally one of the best things I have done for my professional career. There is only so much you can do by yourself to help impact your community. What we can do together, united with people who want to do good, is wonderful. It is amazing to realize the incredible people who want to create positive change in the world.”

Conclusion

Councilmember Rudy Metayer’s story is a testament to the power of listening, empathy, and community connection. Through his leadership journey, Rudy has shown that real change happens when leaders prioritize understanding and bridge differences with trust and openness. His commitment to community impact, fostered through Leadership Austin, serves as an inspiring example of how we can all lead across differences to build stronger, more inclusive communities.